Camp ASCCA has positively impacted individuals with disabilities, their families, and dedicated staff for almost 50 years. At ASCCA, people are valued and celebrated for who they are, not defined by their disabilities. We provide year-round, inclusive, and barrier-free camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities — a truly unique space where campers can embrace their individuality and independence in a supportive, supervised environment.
Many of our staff members return summer after summer, and we’re excited to highlight their stories! Why ASCCA delves into the heart of the question — why?
Avery’s journey began in 2024 and has grown over two summers and multiple weekend camps. In that time, she has discovered a home, a purpose, and a place that has forever changed her. Today, Avery proudly shares her heartfelt Why ASCCA story.
“You never know where a conversation will lead you. Fortunately, for me, I had a particular exchange that would change my life entirely. I was celebrating a birthday for one of the kids I used to babysit and was having a discussion with one of the ladies there. We eventually reached the point in the conversation where I was answering the typical questions asked of a college student. I told her that my major was Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. I will never forget the look of excitement and joy on her face as she told me about her summers at Camp ASCCA. From that moment forward, I knew I had to be part of this organization. In January 2024, I applied to spend my first summer at Camp ASCCA.
I can honestly say that there is no place like Camp ASCCA. They say that people make the place, and our people are what makes the place. During my first summer as part of the outdoor education program staff, I was able to play an active role in demonstrating farm animals, instructing archery, and, my person favorite, guiding fishing. Let me tell you something: watching campers catch their first fish (or maybe their thousandth) is one of the most special experiences. The excitement and joy that comes after great patience is like no other. On the flip side, as a counselor this past summer, I got to experience camp from a new lens. Watching our campers fall in love with activities, try new things, and overcome boundaries are some of the most rewarding times and go to show me how unique Camp ASCCA truly is.
I often think about how the very first time I crossed under the Camp ASCCA arch, I had no idea how much my life would be changed. Watching our campers come back year after year and hearing them say that Camp ASCCA is their home have been the determining factors for me coming back summer after summer. I cannot put into words how much Camp ASCCA means to me. However, I can say thank you. Thank you to the campers, families, and staff who have given me a ‘Why ASCCA’ story. Thank you for changing my life and helping to shape me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful and forever indebted to Camp ASCCA.”
Interested in becoming a Camp ASCCA summer staff member? Click here to learn more and start your ‘Why ASCCA’ story this summer!
